Marsh Daisy chicken is a rare breed originating in Lancashire, England. Old English Game roosters were crossed with Malay hens for creating the foundation for this breed at the beginning of 1880s in Southport, Lancashire.
Sicilian Buttercups, Black Hamburgs and White Leghorns were also added to cement it’s characteristics. The name of this breed ‘Marsh Daisy chicken’ may be related to it’s origin in a marsh-like area. Or may be from it’s large rose comb which resembles the flower of the Marsh Daisy.
Marsh Daisy breed has never been recognized for showing by any organizations such as the American Poultry Association. And it has never had any population of consequence abroad (outside the UK).
Marsh Daisy chicken is an extremely rare breed even it it’s homeland. The Rare Breeds Survival Trust of the United Kingdom listed this breed as an endangered breed. Marsh Daisy chickens have no bantam version.
Characteristics of Marsh Daisy Chicken
Marsh Daisy chicken is a beautiful breed. It has red colored rose comb, white earlobes and yellow green legs. It’s toenails are of horn color. Breast of Marsh Daisy chicken is nicely rounded and the tail is held upward.
The plumage of the roosters is gold turning to red, then black towards the tail which has black sickles. The hens are wheaten with neck hackles which are chestnut edged with black.
Marsh Daisy is very similar chicken in build to the game birds. Their eyes are of red color. The breed was once found in Buff, Black, Brown, Wheaten and White color varieties. Males weight about 2.95 kg and females about 2.5 kg. Image from BritannicRareBreeds.
Behavior/Temperament
Marsh Daisy chickens are very hardy, active and economical breed. They are great forager and very helpful for controlling the weeds or grass population from the garden. So it can be an ideal choice for the backyard flock. It’s also a long lived chicken breed.
Hens are good layers and also make excellent broodies. They lay tinted colored eggs. Roosters are very beautiful. Marsh Daisy is a slow growing chicken breed compared to other breeds of similar size.
| Breed Name | Marsh Daisy |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Dual Purpose (Meat & Eggs) |
| Breed Temperament | Active, Calm, Friendly, Quiet |
| Breed Size | Large |
| Broodiness | Average |
| Comb | Rose |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates/ Cold Hardy |
| Egg Color | Tinted |
| Egg Size | Medium |
| Egg Productivity | Medium |
| Feathered Legs | No |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Varieties | Buff, Black, Brown, Wheaten and White |
